Vehicular support for surfboard

ABSTRACT

A method for supporting a surfboard during vehicular transport includes positioning an apparatus in a backseat of a convertible such that the apparatus stands on each of two seats of the backset; using seatbelts in the backset of the convertible, securing the apparatus against backs of the seats; with the top of the convertible down, positioning the surfboard onto a top of a frame of a windshield of the convertible while positioning the surfboard onto a platform of the apparatus; and securing the surfboard to the platform using one or more straps. The surfboard is supported on the convertible by the windshield frame and by the platform of the apparatus that has been stood up in the backseat of the convertible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/504,154, filedJul. 5, 2019, which '154 application is a nonprovisional U.S. patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to,provisional U.S. patent application 62/694,209, filed Jul. 5, 2018.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

Any new and original work of authorship in this document—including anysource code—is subject to copyright protection under the copyright lawsof the United States and other countries. Reproduction by anyone of thisdocument as it appears in official governmental records is permitted,but otherwise all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods fortransporting a board using a vehicle, and preferably for transporting asurfboard using a convertible. As used herein, “board” means any of asurfboard, a windsurfing board, a paddleboard, or other similarly shapedboard. An “elongate object” means a board, a kayak, a canoe, or otherelongate object that may be accommodated by an apparatus of theinvention.

Apparatus and methods for transporting a board using a vehicle generallyare known, as demonstrated by each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,496,146;5,492,259; 5,381,939; 5,292,045; 4,538,752; German Patent No.DE3915359A1; German Patent No. DE3520132A1; and US Patent Appl. Publ.No. 2012/0193380.

While each of these references disclose apparatus and methods that aresuitable for their intended purposes, it is believed that a need existsfor a simpler solution that is consumer friendly to purchase and usewithout any structural modification or addition to a consumer's vehicle.

It also is believed that a need exists for apparatus and methods thatenable the entirety of the apparatus to be safely locked within thevehicle during use of the board following transport to the location ofuse.

One or more such needs are believed to be addressed by apparatus andmethods for supporting a board for vehicular transport in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of transporting an elongate object and especially a surfboard,the present invention is not limited to use only in such context, aswill become apparent from the following summaries and detaileddescriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. Indeed, it is intended that the apparatus support anyelongate object for vehicular transport.

Accordingly, in an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for supportingan elongate object for vehicular transport comprises: (a) a first legadapted for placement on a seat of a backset of a convertible; (b) asecond leg adapted for placement on another seat of the backset of theconvertible; and (c) an upper support body supported by the first andsecond legs and comprising a platform for abutment and support thereonof the elongate object.

In a feature, the elongate object comprises a board. The board may asurfboard, a windsurfing board, a paddleboard, or other a similarlyshaped board.

In a feature, the elongate object comprises a kayak, a canoe, or otherelongate object having a similar hull.

In a feature, the legs are similar in structure and are interchangeable.

In a feature, the platform transitions between an elevation aboveheadrests of the convertible and below headrests of the convertible. Theplatform preferably transitions by rotation.

In a feature, the platform comprises a material that cushions theelongate object during vehicular transport.

In a feature, the platform is formed from a resilient, rubber-likematerial.

In a feature, the platform is padded.

In a feature, the platform comprises loops located at opposite lateralsides thereof for receiving hooks, carabiners, or other connectors of astrapping system for securing the elongate object to the platform forvehicular transport.

In a feature, the legs are adjustable for changing the height of theupper body support.

In a feature, each leg comprises a seatbelt guide

In a feature, each leg comprises a pair of opposed seatbelt guides.

In a feature, each seatbelt guide comprises a hook or finger forgrabbing a seatbelt.

In a feature, each seatbelt guide comprises a loop enclosing an openingdimensioned to receive the end of a seatbelt therethrough.

In a feature, the apparatus further comprises an additional platform foraccommodating a second elongate object.

In a feature, the apparatus further comprises at least four axes ofrotation.

In a feature, the apparatus further comprises six axes of rotation.

In additional features: the upper support body comprises a firstelongate portion and a second elongate portion; the first elongateportion has a proximal, curved end in the form of an elbow and thesecond elongate portion has a proximal, curved end in the form of anelbow; a crossmember extends therebetween and is connected by a firstcoupling to the curved end of the first elongate portion and isconnected by a second coupling to the curved end of the second elongateportion; a neck extends from the crossmember and is connected to an armportion; the arm portion is connected to a platform by couplings; theplatform comprises loops defining enclosed openings and located atopposite lateral sides thereof for receiving hooks, carabiners, or otherconnectors of a strapping system for securing an elongate object to theplatform for vehicular transport; each leg comprises an elongate portionhaving a foot at a distal end thereof and an open end at a proximal endthereof; each foot is designed for placement on a seat of a vehicle andincludes a backstop for positioning against a back of the seat of thevehicle; the elongate portion of each leg is adapted to receive one ofthe elongate portions of the upper body support through the open end andalong an extent thereof from the open end, whereby the height of theupper body support relative to each foot is adjustable; each elongateportion of the upper body support comprises a sequence of openings, eachof which opening is common in size with an opening in the elongateportion of the leg, all of said openings being adapted to receivetherethrough a cotter pin; by aligning a selected one of the openings ofthe sequence of the elongate portions of the upper body support with theopenings in the legs, the upper body support is secured in a fixedposition relative to each foot of the legs, whereby the legs are therebyadjustable for adjusting the height of the upper support body relativeto the feet; each of the legs comprises two seatbelt guides in the formof opposed hooks or fingers for grabbing a seatbelt; each lower guide ofa leg is designed to restrain the leg from lifting upward when securedby a seatbelt; and each upper guide of a leg is designed to restrain theleg against the back of a seat of the vehicle.

In another aspect, a method for supporting an elongate object duringvehicular transport comprises the steps of: (a) positioning an apparatusin a backseat of the convertible such that the apparatus stands on eachof two seats of the backset; (b) using seatbelts in the backset of theconvertible, securing the apparatus against backs of the seats; (c) withthe top of the convertible down, positioning the elongate object onto atop of a frame of a windshield of the convertible while positioning theelongate object onto a platform of the apparatus; and (d) securing theelongate object to the platform of the apparatus using a strappingsystem. The elongate object is supported on the convertible by thewindshield frame and by the platform of the apparatus that is stood upin the backseat of the convertible.

In a feature, the method further comprises the steps of removing theelongate object for use and securing the apparatus during use of theelongate object by repositioning the platform downwardly, enclosing theconvertible including putting the top of the convertible up, and lockingthe convertible with the apparatus securely contained within theenclosed convertible.

In another aspect, a vehicle for supporting an elongate object fortransport comprises: (a) an apparatus stood up in a backseat of thevehicle and having a platform positioned upwardly in engagement with anelongate object; (b) wherein the apparatus is secured to the vehicleonly by one or more seatbelts of the vehicle.

In a feature, the elongate object further is supported by a frame of thewindshield of the vehicle.

In a feature, the vehicle further comprises a platform attached to theframe of the windshield on which platform the elongate object is furthersupported.

In a feature, the vehicle further comprises one or more straps securedto the apparatus and extending around the elongate object.

In a feature, the vehicle further comprises one or more straps securedto the apparatus and to the elongate object.

In a feature, the vehicle further comprises loops defining enclosedopenings for receiving straps.

In a feature, the vehicle is a convertible.

In a feature, the vehicle is a two-door convertible.

In a feature, the vehicle is a four-door convertible.

In another aspect, a vehicle for supporting an elongate object fortransport comprises: a convertible; and means for supporting theelongate object for vehicular transport using the convertible.

Still further aspects and features of the invention are disclosed in theAppendix to the specification, which Appendix is incorporated herein byreference.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various logical combinations and subcombinations of suchaspects and features. Thus, for example, claims in this or a divisionalor continuing patent application or applications may be separatelydirected to any aspect, feature, or embodiment disclosed herein, orcombination thereof, without requiring any other aspect, feature, orembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinthe same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 comprises an exploded, front plan view of an apparatus 100 forsupporting a board for vehicular transport in accordance with apreferred embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 2 comprises another view of FIG. 1 illustrating numerous additionalcallouts.

FIG. 3 comprises a front plan view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in afirst orientation.

FIG. 4 comprises a front plan view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 in asecond orientation, in which axes of rotation are illustrated.

FIG. 5 comprises a front plan view of another apparatus 200 forsupporting a board for vehicular transport in accordance with apreferred embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 6 comprises a front plan view of another apparatus 300 in a useorientation for supporting a board for vehicular transport in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 7 comprises a view of a prototype 1000 supporting a surfboard forvehicular transport in accordance with a preferred embodiment of one ormore aspects and features of the invention.

FIGS. 8-11 each comprises another view of the prototype 1000 of FIG. 7supporting another surfboard for vehicular transport in accordance witha preferred embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 12 comprises another view of the prototype 1000 of FIGS. 8-11 in ause orientation but without a surfboard supported thereon.

FIG. 13 comprises a closeup view of an adjustable leg of the prototype1000 seen in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 comprises another view of the prototype 1000 in a nonuseorientation, whereby the top may be raised and attached to thewindshield frame for locking and securing of the vehicle.

FIG. 15 comprises a photograph of an earlier prototype supporting asurfboard for vehicular transport, which photograph was taken on Sep. 3,2017.

FIGS. 16-24 are schematic illustrations of another vehicular transportfor a board in accordance with a preferred embodiment of one or moreaspects and features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that theinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Otherembodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposesin providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention.Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one ora plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only oneor a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof.As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosed herein and fallwithin the scope of what is regarded as the invention.

Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail inrelation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is mademerely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure ofthe invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodimentsis not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patentprotection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing herefrom, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalentsthereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection affordedthe invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation foundherein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patentprotection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s)rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to theUnited States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actuallyused in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision isintended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claimelement. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedentstep, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and thestep to be performed at least once during performance of the claimedmethod.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “comprising”is open-ended insofar as that which follows such term is not exclusive.Additionally, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one” butdoes not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictatesotherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” is thesame as “a picnic basket comprising an apple” and “a picnic basketincluding an apple”, each of which identically describes “a picnicbasket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket havingapples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other itemsbeside an apple. In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having asingle apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple”; thepicnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside anapple. In contrast, “a picnic basket consisting of an apple” has only asingle item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basketcontains no other item.

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other itemsbeside cheese and crackers.

When used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of theitems of the list”. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheeseand crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein thepicnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes “a picnicbasket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”;the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items besidecheese and crackers.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of theinvention are next described. The following description of one or morepreferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

FIG. 1 is an exploded, front plan view of an apparatus 100 forsupporting a board for vehicular transport in accordance with apreferred embodiment of one or more aspects and features of theinvention. The apparatus 100 comprises a first leg 102; a second leg104; a first cotter pin 106; a second cotter pin 108; and an uppersupport body 110.

With reference to FIG. 2—which is the view of FIG. 1 but furtherillustrates numerous additional callouts—the upper support body 110comprise a first elongate portion 112 and a second elongate portion 114.The first elongate portion 112 has a proximal, curved end 120 in theform of an elbow and the second elongate portion 114 has a proximal,curved end 124 in the form of an elbow. A crossmember 116 extendstherebetween and is connected by a first coupling 118 to the end 120 andis connected by a second coupling 122 to the curved end 124.

A neck 126 extends from the crossmember 116 and is connected to an armportion 128 of the upper body support 110. The arm portion 128 isconnected to a platform 130 by couplings 132,134. The arm portion 128preferably is generally U-shaped, but may have alternative shapes. Theplatform 130—which is intended to abut a board during vehiculartransport—preferably comprises a material that cushions such boardduring vehicular transport. The platform 130 may, for example, be formedfrom a resilient, rubber-like material or padded. The platform 130 alsocomprises loops 136,138 defining enclosed openings and located atopposite lateral sides thereof for receiving hooks, carabiners, or otherconnectors of a strapping system for securing a board to the platform130 for vehicular transport.

The legs 102,104 are similar in structure and preferablyinterchangeable. Each leg comprises an elongate portion 142 having afoot 143 at a distal end thereof and an open end at a proximal endthereof. Each foot 143 is designed for placement on a seat of a vehicleand includes a backstop 141 for positioning against a back of the seatof the vehicle.

The elongate portion 142 of each leg 102,104 is adapted to receive oneof the elongate portions of the upper body support 110 through the openend and along an extent thereof from the open end. The elongate portion142 defines an opening 144 through which one of the pins 106,108 isreceived. Each elongate portion of the upper body support 110 comprisesa sequence 145 of openings 146,148,150,152,154,156 each of which openingis common in size with opening 144 and also is adapted to receivetherethrough one of the pins 106,108. By aligning a selected one of theopenings of the sequence 145 of the elongate portions of the upper bodysupport 110 with the openings 144 in the legs 102,104, the upper bodysupport 110 can be secured in a fixed position relative to each foot 143of the legs 102,104. The legs 102,104 are thereby adjustable foradjusting the height of the upper support body 110 relative to the feet.

Each of the legs 102,104 further comprises two seatbelt guides 158 inthe form of opposed hooks or fingers for grabbing a seatbelt. Each lowerguide 158 of a leg is designed to restrain the leg from lifting upwardwhen secured by a seatbelt, and each upper guide 158 of a leg isdesigned to restrain the leg against the back of a seat of the vehicle.In alternative embodiments, the guides comprise loops each enclosing anopening dimensioned to receive the end of a seatbelt therethrough.

To assemble the apparatus 100, one of the legs 102,104 is attached ontothe upper support body 110 and secured thereto with one of the pins106,108, and the other leg is attached onto the upper support body andsecured thereto with the other pin. The assembled apparatus 100 isillustrated in FIG. 3. The pins 106,108 have been inserted throughopenings 144 in the legs and openings 152 in the upper body support 110for securing the apparatus 100 together at a desired height of the upperbody support relative to the feet.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the crossmember 116 is connected by thecouplings 118,122 to the proximal ends of the elongate members of theupper support body such that the crossmember 116 rotates about axis 170relative to the elongate members. It will be appreciated that FIG. 4illustrates the apparatus in a “use” orientation, with the platform 130is rotated upwardly and is ready to abut and support there against aboard. In contrast, the apparatus is seen in a “nonuse” orientation inFIG. 3, wherein the platform 130 is positioned downwardly, is locatedin-between the legs, and in such position is incapable of abutting andsupporting a board.

FIG. 4 also illustrates in further detail couplings 132,134 andcouplings 147. Each coupling comprises a pivot pin connector enablingthe connected members to pivot relative to each other along an axis ofthe pivot pin.

In particular, each of couplings 132,134 comprises a pivot pin 172 inthe form of a bolt, with the pivot pins aligned along a common pivotaxis 174. The couplings 132,134 thereby collectively enable the platform130 to pivot relative to the arm portion 128 about the common pivot axis174.

Similarly, each coupling 147 comprises a pivot pin 182 in the form of abolt, with the pivot pins aligned along a common pivot axis 184 when thelegs are secured in like manner to the upper body support 110. Thecouplings 82 thereby collectively enable each foot 143 to pivot relativeto the elongate portion 142 about the common pivot axis 184.

When the apparatus 100 is positioned in a backseat of a vehicle such asa bucket seat and, especially, a back seat of a convertible, the feetare placed on the seats with the backstops positioned against the seatbacks. The legs are pivoted relative to the feet so as to abut and restagainst the backs of the seats. The upper body support supports a boardin conjunction with the support of the board by a frame of a windshieldof the vehicle and, in particular, the height of the upper body supportis set at an elevation such that the platform abuts and supports theboard in a generally level position without any significant incline ofthe board relative to the horizontal. The platform also is rotated forpositioning at a better angle for abutting and supporting the board. Thebackset passenger seatbelts are used to anchor the apparatus via theseatbelt guides, as schematically represented by seatbelts 186,188 inFIG. 4.

In alternatives to apparatus 100, and with reference to apparatus 200 ofFIG. 5, the arm portion may be replaced with two separate arm portions127,129 coupled to a neck for rotation relative thereto about an axis194, with each arm portion being coupled to and supporting the platform.The neck alternatively or additionally may be replaced with two separateneck portions 123,125 coupled together for rotation relativetherebetween about an axis 196, whereby the platform may be swiveledrelative to the legs. Such additional adjustability is believed tobetter enable the apparatus 200 to support a board.

While not shown it further is contemplated that rotation and swivelingmay be locked or otherwise fixed once desirable orientation areachieved. Such locking may be accomplished, for example, using cotterpins as previously illustrated, or by other means including latches,fasteners, tensioned binding, or other conventional mechanisms.Alternatively, the couplings may be sufficiently tight to enable onlyforced manual positioning such that, without application of significantmanual force, no rotation or swiveling movement naturally occurs duringnormal use of the apparatus. Such tight connections may be achieved withclose frictional fits between components.

Another alternative is illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein the illustratedapparatus 300 comprises two platforms 328,330 for accommodating twoboards. The preferred, different axes of rotation 304,306,308,310,312 ofthe apparatus 300 also are illustrated.

The apparatus 100,200,300 preferably are constructed using componentsmade from steel, aluminum, and titanium, including alloys thereof.Alternatively, the components may be made from fiberglass, and carbonfibers. PVC piping including couplings and elbows also may be used.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of another embodiment 200 of an apparatusfor supporting a board for vehicular transport in accordance with one ormore aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of another embodiment 300 of an apparatus ina use orientation for supporting a board for vehicular transport inaccordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

It further is contemplated that a front support with platform may beused, upon which also board rests rather than simply resting of theboard on the frame of the windshield. Such front support preferablylatches onto the windshield frame similar to the conventional latchingof the roof of the vehicle. The front support with the platformpreferably latches to both sides of the frame and provides paddedsupport to the board. An additional platform may be included when twoboards are supported, such as when apparatus 300 is used.

Prototypes

Prototypes supporting a surfboard for vehicular transport in accordancewith one or more aspects and features of the invention have actuallybeen reduced to practice and used. The remaining drawings pertain tosuch prototypes.

In this regard, FIG. 7 comprises a view of a prototype 1000 supporting asurfboard for vehicular transport in accordance with one or more aspectsand features of the invention, and FIGS. 8-11 comprise additional viewsof the prototype 1000 supporting another surfboard for vehiculartransport in accordance with one or more aspects and features of theinvention.

FIG. 12 comprises another view of the prototype 1000 of FIGS. 8-11 in ause orientation but without a surfboard supported thereon, and FIG. 13comprises a closeup view of an adjustable leg of the prototype 1000 seenin FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 comprises another view of the prototype 1000 in a nonuseorientation, whereby the top may be raised and attached to thewindshield frame of the vehicle for locking and securing of the vehicle.

FIG. 15 comprises a photograph of an earlier prototype supporting asurfboard for vehicular transport, which photograph was taken on Sep. 3,2017.

It has been observed during use of the prototypes that the prototypes donot evidence wobbling or other undesirable movement during transport ofa surfboard. It is believed that this results from one or more of: thesecuring of the upper body support using the seatbelts; the positioningof the legs to conform to the incline of the seat back by pivoting ofthe legs relative to the feet; the adjustment of the height of the upperbody support to clear the backs of the seats including any headrest andto level the supported board; the fitting of the platform to thesurfboard by pivoting the platform relative to the arm portion, androtating of the crossmember relative to the legs, so as to better mateand conform the surface of the platform to the surface of the surfboard;and the cushioning of the surfboard by the material of the platform.

Still yet additional vehicular transports are disclosed in FIGS. 16-24and in the Appendix. Specifically, FIGS. 16-24 schematically illustrateanother vehicular transport for a board in accordance with additionalpreferred embodiments of one or more aspects and features of theinvention, and the Appendix illustrates an additional three suchvehicular transports.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention has broadutility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the presentinvention other than those specifically described herein, as well asmany variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will beapparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and theforegoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance orscope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present inventionhas been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferredembodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is onlyillustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merelyfor the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of theinvention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed tolimit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such otherembodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalentarrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claimsappended hereto and the equivalents thereof

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for supporting an elongate objectfor vehicular transport, comprising: (a) a first leg adapted forplacement on a seat of a backset of a convertible; (b) a second legadapted for placement on another seat of the backset of the convertible;and (c) an upper support body supported by the first and second legs andcomprising a platform for abutment and support thereon of the elongateobject.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate objectcomprises a board.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the boardcomprises a surfboard, a windsurfing board, a paddleboard, or other asimilarly shaped board.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelongate object comprises a kayak, a canoe, or other elongate objecthaving a similar hull.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the legs aresimilar in structure and are interchangeable.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the platform transitions between an elevation above headrestsof the convertible and below headrests of the convertible.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the platform transitions by rotation. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a material thatcushions the elongate object during vehicular transport.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform is formed from a resilient,rubber-like material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platformis padded.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprisesloops located at opposite lateral sides thereof for receiving hooks,carabiners, or other connectors of a strapping system for securing theelongate object to the platform for vehicular transport.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the legs are adjustable for changing theheight of the upper body support.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach leg comprises a seatbelt guide
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein each leg comprises a pair of opposed seatbelt guides.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each seatbelt guide comprises a hook orfinger for grabbing a seatbelt.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach seatbelt guide comprises a loop enclosing an opening dimensioned toreceive the end of a seatbelt therethrough.
 17. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the apparatus comprises an additional platform foraccommodating a second elongate object.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the apparatus comprises at least four axes of rotation.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises six axes ofrotation.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper support bodycomprises a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion;wherein the first elongate portion has a proximal, curved end in theform of an elbow and the second elongate portion has a proximal, curvedend in the form of an elbow; wherein a crossmember extends therebetweenand is connected by a first coupling to the curved end of the firstelongate portion and is connected by a second coupling to the curved endof the second elongate portion; wherein a neck extends from thecrossmember and is connected to an arm portion; wherein the arm portionis connected to a platform by couplings; wherein the platform comprisesloops defining enclosed openings and located at opposite lateral sidesthereof for receiving hooks, carabiners, or other connectors of astrapping system for securing an elongate object to the platform forvehicular transport; wherein each leg comprises an elongate portionhaving a foot at a distal end thereof and an open end at a proximal endthereof; wherein each foot is designed for placement on a seat of avehicle and includes a backstop for positioning against a back of theseat of the vehicle; wherein the elongate portion of each leg is adaptedto receive one of the elongate portions of the upper body supportthrough the open end and along an extent thereof from the open end,whereby the height of the upper body support relative to each foot isadjustable; wherein each elongate portion of the upper body supportcomprises a sequence of openings, each of which opening is common insize with an opening in the elongate portion of the leg, all of saidopenings being adapted to receive therethrough a cotter pin; wherein, byaligning a selected one of the openings of the sequence of the elongateportions of the upper body support with the openings in the legs, theupper body support is secured in a fixed position relative to each footof the legs, whereby the legs are thereby adjustable for adjusting theheight of the upper support body relative to the feet; wherein each ofthe legs comprises two seatbelt guides in the form of opposed hooks orfingers for grabbing a seatbelt; wherein each lower guide of a leg isdesigned to restrain the leg from lifting upward when secured by aseatbelt; and wherein each upper guide of a leg is designed to restrainthe leg against the back of a seat of the vehicle.
 21. A method forsupporting an elongate object during vehicular transport, comprising:(a) positioning an apparatus in a backseat of the convertible such thatthe apparatus stands on each of two seats of the backset; (b) usingseatbelts in the backset of the convertible, securing the apparatusagainst backs of the seats; (c) with the top of the convertible down,positioning the elongate object onto a top of a frame of a windshield ofthe convertible while positioning the elongate object onto a platform ofthe apparatus; and (d) securing the elongate object to the platform ofthe apparatus using a strapping system; whereby the elongate object issupported on the convertible by the windshield frame and the platform ofthe apparatus stood up in the backseat of the convertible.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising removing the elongate object foruse and securing the apparatus during use of the elongate object byrepositioning the platform downwardly, enclosing the convertibleincluding putting the top of the convertible up, and locking theconvertible with the apparatus securely contained within the enclosedconvertible.
 23. A vehicle for supporting an elongate object fortransport, comprising: (a) an apparatus stood up in a backseat of thevehicle and having a platform positioned upwardly in engagement with anelongate object; (b) wherein the apparatus is secured to the vehicleonly by one or more seatbelts of the vehicle.
 24. The vehicle of claim23, wherein the elongate object further is supported by a frame of thewindshield of the vehicle.
 25. The vehicle of claim 24, furthercomprising a platform attached to the frame of the windshield on whichplatform the elongate object is further supported.
 26. The vehicle ofclaim 23, further comprising one or more straps secured to the apparatusand extending around the elongate object.
 27. The vehicle of claim 23,further comprising one or more straps secured to the apparatus and tothe elongate object.
 28. The vehicle of claim 23, wherein the apparatuscomprises loops defining enclosed openings for receiving straps.
 29. Thevehicle of claim 23, wherein the vehicle is a convertible.
 30. Thevehicle of claim 23, wherein the vehicle is a two-door convertible. 31.The vehicle of claim 23, wherein the vehicle is a four-door convertible.32. A vehicle for supporting an elongate object for transport,comprising: (a) a convertible; and (b) means for supporting the elongateobject for vehicular transport using the convertible.